Encountering God’s Presence

March 8, 2026


The Starting Point

When’s the last time you encountered God’s presence—not just goosebumps, but walked away different?

Isaiah 40:30-31 – “Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired. 

You can’t be effective in any area when you’re running on empty. 

Everyone struggles; no one has it all together.


INFORMATION: God’s Presence Changes Everything

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34‬:‭28‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬ — “Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets. When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.”

1. God’s Presence Requires Intentional Space

  • Moses didn’t end up in God’s presence by accident—he climbed a mountain and stayed 40 days
  • To encounter God, you must intentionally make room

2. God’s Presence Transforms Your Identity

  • Moses’ face glowed—he was visibly different
  • Exodus 34:29 – “He wasn’t aware his face had become radiant”
  • When you encounter God, you don’t leave the same

3. God’s Presence Reveals the Father’s Heart

  • Exodus 33:11 – “The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend”
  • When you make room, He reveals His heart

INSPIRATION: You Receive So You Can Give

Moses didn’t go up the mountain for himself—he went to receive what Israel needed. What you receive is for the next one He’s sending you to reach.

1. You Can’t Go Forward Without God’s Presence

Exodus 33:15 – “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.”

Making room to encounter God isn’t selfish—it’s essential to your mission.

2. His Presence Is Where Transformation Happens

Moses didn’t change himself. God’s presence changed him. One moment in God’s presence will change what you’ve been trying to accomplish for years.


MOTIVATION: We Must Position Ourselves

Obstacle 1: “My life is too busy”

  • Moses led millions and made room for 40 days twice
  • It’s about making time, not having time
  • Matthew 6:33 – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else”

Obstacle 2: “I’ve tried before and nothing changed”

  • Moses climbed the mountain twice
  • Encountering God is about obedience, not feelings
  • Hebrews 11:6 – “God rewards those who sincerely seek him”

Faith Builder: The most important thing you carry isn’t your gifting or strategy. It’s His presence.


TRANSFORMATION: Share This Joy With Your World

Ephesians 3:20 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

You are already empowered! 

Action Steps:

  1. Block off one hour this week for God’s presence
  2. Ask daily: “What do You want to show me today?”
  3. Share your encounter—your testimony creates hunger in others

Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community  

Breaking Through Resistance

March 1, 2026


The Starting Point

How many have been praying and it feels like nothing’s happening? You’re following Jesus, making room, praying. Nothing!


INFORMATION: Revival Is Closer Than You Think

Daniel 10:12-13 (NLT) – “Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.'”

1. Your Prayers Are Working Even When You Can’t See It

  • God heard Daniel day one; breakthrough came day 21
  • Things shift in the spiritual realm before you see them naturally

2. Resistance Doesn’t Mean You’re Off Track

  • The “spirit prince of Persia” blocked the angel for 21 days—spiritual warfare
  • Ephesians 6:12 – “We fight against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world”
  • Major resistance means the enemy is threatened by the ground you’re taking

3. Persistence Breaks the Resistance

  • Daniel didn’t stop on day 7, 14, or 20—he kept going
  • Matthew 17:21 – “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting”
  • When you keep pressing in, you’re dismantling resistance

INSPIRATION: Your Breakthrough Brings Hope to Others

Most people quit before breakthrough. They make room but don’t see change. So they quit.

Galatians 6:9 – “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.”

1. The Father Sees Your Faithfulness 

Matthew 6:17-18: “But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

2. Your Breakthrough Is Not Just For You 

Psalm 40:1-3: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.”

3. The Father’s Heart Is for the Next One’s Return – There’s always room at the table.


MOTIVATION: God Transforms How You ACT

The ACT Framework:

A — AWARE: Be “AWARE” of the people God puts around you

  • Be aware of their needs, struggles, need for healing
  • Luke 15:20 – “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming”

C — CARE: Show people you actually “CARE”

  • Stop asking “how do I get them to church?” Start asking “how do I show them the Father’s love?”
  • Matthew 5:16 – “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see”

T — TELL: “TELL” your story and extend an invitation

  • After being aware and caring—tell them what Jesus has done
  • 1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to explain your hope as a believer”

TRANSFORMATION: Positioned for Revival

Action Steps:

  1. Write down three people—pray for them daily
  2. Join Night of Worship this week – Wednesday March 4th @ 6:30pm 
  3. Look for kairos moments Holy Spirit is setting up

Claim your free “Sent On A Mission” resource: www.tc.church/swag 


Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community  

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

February 22, 2026


The Starting Point

Last week we introduced making room for God. Some took it seriously but caught themselves: “Just check it real quick.” That’s a battle.

You face two resistances: internal (renewing mind) and external (spiritual battle).


INFORMATION: What Happens When You Make Room

Matthew 4:1-2 – “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”

The enemy attacks three ways:

1. The Enemy Attacks Your Provision

Matthew 4:3-4 (NLT) – “During that time the devil came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But Jesus told him, ‘No! The Scriptures say, “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘”

  • Satan waited until Jesus was hungry—40 days depleted
  • The enemy strikes when you’re vulnerable

2. The Enemy Attacks Your Identity

Matthew 4:5-7 (NLT) – “Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.”‘ Jesus responded, ‘The Scriptures also say, “You must not test the Lord your God.”‘”

  • The enemy makes you question who God says you are
  • Don’t let the fight make you doubt the assignment

3. The Enemy Attacks Your Victory

Matthew 4:8-10 (NLT) – “Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ‘I will give it all to you,’ he said, ‘if you will kneel down and worship me.’ ‘Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”‘”

  • Jesus responded to every attack with Scripture
  • You can’t fight spiritual warfare with human logic—you need the Sword of the Spirit

INSPIRATION: Visible Evidence of Alignment

The harder the fight, the bigger the breakthrough.

Joel 2:12-13 (NLT) – “That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”

1. God Sees Your Heart – He’s moved by WHY you gave it up.

2. Making Room Reveals What Controls You – Tension confirms you’re on track.


MOTIVATION: To Stay or Start

Obstacle 1: “This is too hard”

  • The same Spirit who LED Jesus into the wilderness lives in you
  • When you make room, you’re not fighting alone

Romans 8:11 (NLT) The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you

Obstacle 2: “I keep failing—I might as well quit”

  • The enemy wants you to believe weakness means defeat—that’s a lie
  • Victory isn’t about you—victory is about Kingdom Alignment 
  • Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up

Obstacle 3: “I missed the starting point for this series”

  • As Family—I want to say “You’re not alone”
  • The invitation is to join at any point along the way

TRANSFORMATION: Positioned for Kingdom Victory

If you’re following Jesus, you’ll face spiritual warfare.

Applications: Workplace (people watching), Home (hear God first), Community (neighbors need Jesus)

Action Steps:

  1. Identify how you’ll make room
  2. Memorize one key verse
  3. Partner with someone

Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community 

Fasting: What Are You Giving Up?

February 15, 2026


The Starting Point

We talk about wanting breakthrough—when everything you’ve been praying for suddenly shifts and God’s power overcomes resistance. But what if your breakthrough is crowded out? What if God is saying, “Create space for me”?

Matthew 11:28 (MSG) – “Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.”

We’re maxed out. Full calendars, full minds, full phones. But spiritually we’re running on empty.

Lent centers around one question: What are you giving up?


INFORMATION: What is Kingdom Alignment?

When most people hear “fasting,” they think “giving up food.” But fasting represents something bigger.

Isaiah 58:6-8 (NLT) – “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free… Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless… Then your salvation will come like the dawn.”

He’s not talking about an empty stomach—He’s demanding change and living aligned with the Kingdom of God.

Kingdom Alignment Has Three Components:

1. The Internal – Your HEAD
When you create space, you’re saying, “God, align my thinking with Yours.”

Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

2. The Vertical – Your HEART
Your relationship with the Father shifts.

Matthew 5:8 – “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.”

3. The Horizontal – Your HANDS & FEET
How we serve using our spiritual gifts.

Ephesians 4:16 – “As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow.”


INSPIRATION: Aligning My Heart

When you create space and align with the Kingdom, God fills it with transformation.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) – “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

Here’s the progression:

  • Revival is the fruit of transformation
  • Transformation is the fruit of breakthrough
  • Breakthrough is the fruit of alignment
  • Alignment is the fruit of repentance (change)

2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

When you subtract distractions, God multiplies impact. You’ll see:

  • Chains breaking
  • Clarity on decisions
  • Divine appointments with the next one
  • Breakthrough in family, workplace, community

MOTIVATION: How We Serve

Obstacle 1: “I Don’t Think I Can Do This”

Creating space isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. Do NOT fast from food for 40 days. Some ideas:

  • Fast one meal a week and pray instead
  • Break from social media and call someone
  • Break from TV and read God’s Word
  • Break from complaining and speak life

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another… encourage one another.”

Obstacle 2: “What If Nothing Happens?”

Daniel 10:12-13 – “Since the first day you began to pray… your request has been heard… But for twenty-one days the spirit prince blocked my way.”

Sometimes breakthrough is coming—we just can’t see it yet.

Galatians 6:9 – “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.”


TRANSFORMATION: Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission

For the next 40 days, we’re creating space together as strategic alignment with the Kingdom of God.


Your Three Action Steps

1. RIGHT NOW: Ask the Lord what you should give up

2. THIS WEEK: Commit 

Visit www.tc.church/info and click on fasting. 

Choose one thing for 40 days starting Wednesday, February 18th:

  • One meal per day (skip lunch, pray instead)
  • Social media
  • TV or streaming
  • Complaining

3. DAILY: Pray for the Next One

Pray for 3 people by name who need to return to the family.

Pray Luke 10:2 (at 10:02 daily) – “Pray that the Lord of the harvest would send more workers.”

Don’t fast alone. Fast with your church family.


Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community

Community: The Return Home 

Date: February 8, 2026


The Starting Point

We live in two realities: seen reality (you can’t go back, nothing changes) and unseen reality (the Father wants you back, everything can be made new). The world says what’s done is done. God’s truth says everyone is redeemable.

Romans 12:2 – Let God transform you by changing the way you think.
Hebrews 12:1 – Strip off every weight that slows us down, especially sin.


INFORMATION: Recognizing the Path Home

Luke 15:17-24 (NLT) “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”‘

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”

The Awakening  

The journey home begins when someone realizes being with the Father is better than where they are. When someone says “I’ve been thinking about coming back” or “I miss what I used to have” – that’s Holy Spirit stirring truth. Remind them of the Father’s heart.

The Walk Home Requires Courage  

The younger son had to face shame and walk toward what he feared. While still far off, his father saw him coming and ran to him. Walk with them. “I’ll go with you. You don’t have to do this alone.”

The Father Restores Identity 

The father interrupted before confession ended: “Quick! Bring the robe. Get the ring.” Identity restored before unworthiness could finish speaking. As ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), we speak for Christ: “Come back to God!”


INSPIRATION: The Father’s Heart and Revival

Luke 15:20 – While still far off, his father saw him coming, filled with love, ran and embraced him.

You carry the Father’s heart message. When you reach the next one, you’re showing them what He is really like. Revival happens one return at a time. When the next one comes home, chains break and dead things come alive.


MOTIVATION: Breaking Through Obstacles

Obstacle #1: “What If They’re Not Really Ready?”
Your job isn’t determining readiness—it’s showing them the Father’s heart and letting God do the rest. 1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow.”

Obstacle #2: “What If I Can’t Answer All Their Questions?”
You don’t need all the answers, just the Father’s heart. Say, “I don’t have all the answers, but I know the Father loves you and I’ll walk this journey with you.” All of heaven rejoices over one sinner who returns (Luke 15:7).


TRANSFORMATION: Living as Sent Ones

John 20:21 – As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.

Your mission is reconciling people to the Father. 2 Corinthians 5:20 – We are Christ’s ambassadors; God makes his appeal through us when we plead, “Come back to God!”

Three Action Steps

1. THIS WEEK: Identify One Person
Who is Holy Spirit putting on your heart? Write their name down.

2. DAILY/WEEKLY: Pray for the Awakening
Pray Holy Spirit stirs truth in their heart, barriers crumble, and God shows you how to walk with them.

3. THIS MONTH: Be Part of a Homecoming
Reach out: “I’ve been thinking about you. Would you want to come to church with me?” When someone returns—celebrate them. Invite them to coffee. Let them feel the Father’s heart through you.


Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community

Community: The Father’s Heart

February 1, 2026


The Starting Point

82% of unchurched people would come back if invited, but only 2% of Christians actually invite them.


INFORMATION: When Faithfulness Becomes Scorekeeping

The Story (Luke 15:25-32)

Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!

Three Truths

1. Proximity Doesn’t Equal Intimacy

You can be physically close to the Father while relationally distant from His heart. We can show up every Sunday and still miss what He celebrates: restoration.

2. Assumptions Block Compassion

The text never says the younger son was with prostitutes—the elder brother assumed it. When we fill in blanks with worst-case scenarios, compassion dies.

James 5:9 – “Don’t grumble about each other, or you will be judged.”

3. Service Without Sonship Creates Resentment

“I’ve slaved for you”—that’s hired hand language, not sonship. The father says everything was already his. Pride blinds us.

Key: Abiding in Jesus doesn’t automatically mean we have the Father’s heart.


INSPIRATION: The Father Leaves the Party

Luke 15:28 – “The father came out and begged him.”

The whole house celebrates, yet the father leaves to pursue the elder son. He goes after both sons. That’s His heart.

Why This Matters

1. Our Heart Is Revealed in Celebration

The Father isn’t comparing you or asking you to earn His love through service.

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “By grace you have been saved… not by works.”

2. Your Heart Determines Who You Can Reach

Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart, for it determines the course of your life.”

When we have the Father’s heart, we become safe for the wandering to return.


MOTIVATION: Removing Barriers

Obstacle #1: “My Faithfulness Should Count”

Truth: Your faithfulness positions you for blessing—but it’s not a competition.

Luke 15:31 – “Everything I have is yours.”

Galatians 6:9 – “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good.”

Obstacle #2: “They Don’t Deserve Another Chance”

Truth: None of us deserve grace. Stop deciding who deserves it and agree with the Father: everyone deserves restoration.

Luke 15:32 – “We had to celebrate—your brother was dead and has come back to life!”


TRANSFORMATION: Living with the Father’s Heart

John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

2 Corinthians 5:18 – “God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”


Your Three Action Steps

1. TODAY: Examine Your Heart

Psalm 139:23*24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Ask Holy Spirit: “Have I been keeping score? Do I have the Father’s heart or elder brother pride?” Write what He shows you.

2. DAILY: Pray for the Father’s Heart

Write 3 names. Pray daily: “Father, give me Your heart for the ones who’ve wandered. Help me see them the way You see them.”

3. THIS MONTH: Invite Someone to Return

Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!”


Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community